Adjustable Drive Axle With Antirotation Device For Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable drive axles for agricultural and industrial vehicles face stability issues due to coupling problems between fixed and sliding portions, particularly when operating on uneven terrains, and lack intermediate track configuration options between minimum and maximum settings.

Innovation Solution

A drive axle design featuring a central box-shaped body with differential, fixed and movable arms, antirotation devices, and adjustable actuators that allow for telescopic movement and hub configuration changes to achieve stability and reliability, enabling adjustable track settings between minimum and maximum configurations, and incorporating a steering mechanism with hydraulic actuators for precise turning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hubs are rotatably bound to sliding portions to create a steering drive axle, then steering capability is improved, but stability of the coupling between fixed and sliding portions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering capabilityVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary locking mechanism between the fixed and sliding portions of the axle shafts. This locking device acts as a mediator that maintains stable coupling while allowing the hubs to be rotatably bound for steering. The locking mechanism engages with teeth on the axle shafts to prevent relative movement, thus stabilizing the coupling without interfering with the rotational binding of hubs for steering capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If only minimum and maximum track configurations are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different terrain requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration optionsVSAvoidtrack adjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic track adjustment system where the sliding portions of the axle shafts can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the fixed portions. Instead of providing only two fixed configurations (minimum and maximum track), the system allows intermediate positions to be selected and locked, enabling continuous adaptation to different terrain requirements while maintaining a relatively simple structural design through the use of standardized locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If rigid fixation of hubs to sliding portions is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but ability to handle turning maneuvers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidturning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic coupling system where hubs are rotatably bound to the sliding portions rather than rigidly fixed. This allows the hubs to rotate independently for handling turning maneuvers while the sliding portions maintain their positional relationship with the fixed portions through the locking mechanism. The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic rotational connection that accommodates turning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3137315B1Drive axle for an agricultural or industrial vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 DROMOS
  • EP3137315B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3137315B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3137315B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A drive axle for an agricultural or industrial vehicle comprises a central box-shaped body (2) for containing a differential (3); two fixed tubular arms (4) fixed by opposite parts to the box-shaped body (2); two tubular movable arms (5), each slidingly inserted in a respective fixed arm (4); two hubs (8), each connected to a respective movable arm (5) in order to support respective wheels (W); two adjustment actuators (11), each active between a respective fixed arm (4) and the corresponding movable arm (5) in order to change the distance between hubs (8) between a minimum distance configuration and a maximum distance configuration; an antirotation device (14) active between each fixed arm (4) and each movable arm (5); said antirotation device (14) being active on opposite sides of fixed arms (4) and movable arms (5).